Preview:Olympiacos vs. Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid were just two minutes away from winning the Champions League for the first time in their history in May when Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos forced extra-time with a headed equaliser.

Los Blancos would go on to win the showpiece event 4-1 - a scoreline that was somewhat harsh on Diego Simeone's men. Nevertheless, the Argentine head coach will now have to rally his side for another crack at the competition, which starts with a trip to Greek outfit Olympiacos on Tuesday evening.

En route to last term's final, the Spanish champions showed positive form away from home throughout the tournament. They lost none of their six away matches, winning five in a run that included victories at Stamford Bridge and the San Siro.

However, Atletico's record in Greece is not so decisive. From six trips, they have recorded just one victory and suffered three defeats during that time. As for Olympiacos, their recent form against Spanish clubs is even poorer, having gone six encounters without a win.

In terms of team selection, Atletico boss Simeone may turn to Turkish playmaker Arda Turan, who marked his return to fitness at the weekend by coming off the bench to score the winning goal against neighbours Real in the Bernabeu.

France international Antoine Griezmann also started that encounter as a substitute, but he could also come into the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, hosting Olympiacos are managed by former Real midfielder Michel. As a player, the 51-year-old scored three times against Atletico in 25 outings.

He has an almost fully fit squad to select from, although ankle problems are expected to sideline both Giannis Maniatis and Dimitris Siovas. The former of those two could make the bench.

Recent form

Olympiacos: WDW

Atletico: DWDWW

Possible starting lineups

Olympiacos: Roberto; Elabdellaoui, Botia, Abidal, Masuaku; Kasami, Ndinga, Dossevi, Domínguez, Durmaz; Diamantakos

Atletico: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Siqueira; Gabi, Suarez, Koke; Griezmann, Turan; Mandzukic

Sports Mole says: 0-1